Grilled Chipotle-Lime Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Skewers

Holiday gatherings deserve bold, flavorful appetizers that make people smile and come back for seconds. This year we built a low‑carb smorgasbord around simple, delicious bites — and at the top of the list was our signature Chipotle Lime Bacon‑Wrapped Shrimp. We’ve hosted a neighborhood holiday party every December for years; our neighbors are the heart of the celebration, and this shrimp always disappears fast.

Alongside the bacon‑wrapped shrimp we served a few other favorites — Swedish meatballs and a chicken bacon ranch flatbread — plus a festive Peach Bellini for guests who weren’t watching carbs. For those keeping it low carb, we offered low‑carb beer and water. The goal was a spread that satisfied everyone, and the shrimp’s smoky, citrusy flavor was a big hit.

Why this recipe works: bacon amplifies the shrimp’s natural sweetness while the chipotle and lime add a bright, Southwestern kick. The marinade is quick and the technique—brining the shrimp briefly and partially precooking the bacon—keeps the shrimp tender while the bacon crisps perfectly in the oven.

Ingredients

This recipe uses just a few high‑impact ingredients: shrimp, thin‑cut bacon, fresh lime (zest and juice), olive oil, and chipotle powder. We prefer U20 shrimp (about 20 per pound) because they’re easier to wrap and cook quickly; if you use larger shrimp, add a minute or two to the oven time. Use thin bacon so it wraps easily and complements, rather than overpowers, the shrimp.

Preparation Tips

Brining is a simple step that keeps shrimp plump and straight, which helps when wrapping them in bacon. We brine for 30 minutes in iced salted water with a low‑carb sweetener (optional); the ice keeps the shrimp from starting to cook in the brine. Pat the shrimp dry before marinating so the flavors stick better.

Partially cooking the bacon makes a big difference. Lay strips between paper towels and microwave just until the fat softens and the bacon is pliable — about 60–90 seconds for a few strips at a time, depending on your microwave. This prevents overcooking the shrimp while the bacon reaches a crisp finish in the oven. Work carefully with the hot paper towels and change them if they become saturated with fat.

The lime zest and juice are essential — they brighten the marinade and pair beautifully with chipotle’s smoky heat. Toss the raw shrimp well in the marinade and reserve any extra to drizzle just before baking. The shrimp are done when the bacon is crisp and the shrimp are opaque; watch closely to avoid overcooking.

Chipotle Lime Bacon‑Wrapped Shrimp — A Southwestern Treat!

This appetizer is perfect for holiday parties, game day, or any time you want a quick, restaurant‑worthy bite at home. It’s bold, low in carbs, and easy to scale for a crowd. Serve warm and watch how fast it disappears — we think you’ll agree it’s a truly tasty low‑carb choice.